The Oldest Fairs in Louisiana

Amite's Tangipahoa Parish Fair City is the oldest fair in Louisiana, established in 1888, and one of the oldest continuously operating fairs in the Deep South. It began in 1888 and has stayed a fixture of Louisiana agricultural life for more than a century. Held annually on the last weekend of September through the first weekend of October, this beloved fair is the centerpiece of life in Tangipahoa Parish each fall.

In Shreveport, the Louisiana State Fair is the flagship state fair of Louisiana, held annually since 1906 at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds in Caddo Parish. Since its 1906 founding, it's endured as a century-plus Louisiana agricultural tradition. This 11-day fair is the premier agricultural showcase and entertainment destination for north Louisiana and the greater ArkLaTex region, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each fall.

The Livingston Parish Fair, established in 1937 in the small town of Livingston, is one of southeast Louisiana's most beloved community fairs. The fair began in 1937 and has remained a community tradition ever since. Located about 30 miles east of Baton Rouge along I-12, the fair draws large crowds from across the fast-growing Livingston Parish corridor each October.

The St. Martin Parish 4-H and FFA Livestock Show is an 88-year-running youth livestock exhibition held at Breaux Bridge High School, drawing roughly 190+ animal entries in cattle, hogs, poultry, goats, sheep, and rabbits from parish 4-H and FFA members each January.

The Greater Baton Rouge State Fair is a 61-year community tradition serving the greater Baton Rouge metro area with 11 days of entertainment, rides, food, and agricultural exhibitions each late October through early November. Founded in 1965, it has grown into a beloved annual event for the region. All proceeds are donated back into the community through grants, scholarships, and sponsorships — with total donations approaching $5 million.